Canine Distemper

Although it occurs infrequently in the United States, canine distemper is the leading worldwide cause of infectious disease death in dogs. All dogs need to be vaccinated against distemper since it is caused by a highly contagious virus similar to the one that causes measles. The distemper virus is dangerous because it attacks many parts of the body: brain cells, skin cells and mucosa of the eye, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. The greatest risk of canine distemper is to unvaccinated puppies between 6 months and a year old because it is at this age when they stop being protected by maternal antibodies.

Transmission of canine distemper can occur easily because the virus is contained in all bodily secretions and is primarily spread by inhalation. Since the disease suppresses the immune system, complications are common. Protection against canine distemper is available in the form of a series of vaccinations. Since wild animals and unvaccinated dogs may harbor the virus, puppies should be kept away from unknown dogs and other animals until they have received the complete series of injections, usually at 3 to 4 months of age.

Symptoms of Canine Distemper

The symptoms of distemper, which develop in stages, are deeply troubling. Typically, the onset of distemper occurs 6 to 9 days after exposure.

Stage 1

The first symptoms of the disorder may be mistaken for a cold, but then the fever spikes up to 103 or even 105 degrees Fahrenheit. During this stage of infection, the following symptoms appear:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Watery, then thick yellow discharge from the nose and eyes
  • Cough
  • Vomiting and diarrhea resulting in dehydration
  • Pus-filled blisters on the abdomen

For the following week or two, the dog may have periods of improvement, but then relapses. At this stage, a secondary bacterial infection may develop in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

Stage 2

Two to three weeks after the onset of distemper, the patient enters the second stage of the disease. This is the point at which the virus typically attacks the brain cells, causing encephalitis. Neurological symptoms appear. These may include:

  • Excessive drooling
  • Head shaking
  • Chewing movements of the jaw
  • Seizures
  • Disorientation, apparent blindness
  • Myoclonic jerks accompanied by pain
  • Labored breathing

Distemper can also cause a hardening of the tissue on the dog's footpads and nose. For this reason, distemper has sometimes been called "hardpad disease."

Treatment of Canine Distemper

There is no specific treatment that will cure distemper, but antibiotics for secondary infections and medications to relieve symptoms may be administered. Although the disease is often fatal, some dogs do recover from distemper. They may, however, be left with more or less severe neurological symptoms.

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